Eight supporters of the Helsinki football club HIFK are suspected of assault on security guards during a match last week in the south-central city of Tampere. Fans surged nto Tammela stadium on Thursday during a Veikkausliiga premier division match between HIFK and the Tampere side FC Ilves.
Five stewards suffered slight injuries during scuffles with HIFK supporters. One safety officer was more seriously injured and is on extended sick leave. Fans also lit flares and behaved disruptively during the match.
Police, who were struck by rocks and beer glasses, detained five HIFK supporters on the day of the match, but released them that evening.
HIFK, which condemned the violence, estimates that 300 of its supporters attended the match.
Probe will take months
Police said on Thursday that they have identified six suspects, while two are still unidentified.
Detective Inspector Marja Kiiski, who is leading the investigation into the incident, says that police will not wrap up their preliminary investigation until late summer at least.
Ilves, who are managed by English former Football League player Keith Armstrong, played to a 1-1 draw with HIFK.
